Hawks coach suspended by NBA for bumping ref

The NBA suspends Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer for one game for bumping a referee, noting that he also made contact with a game official last season

Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer was suspended for one game by the NBA for bumping a game official.

NBA executive vice president Kiki VanDeWeghe announced the suspension one day after Budenholzer made contact with a game official with 2:42 remaining in the third quarter of the Hawks' 135-130 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.

Budenholzer was angry that Cavs superstar LeBron James was not called for an offensive foul late in the third quarter, and made contact with a referee while arguing from the sideline.

He was assessed a technical foul and Cleveland's Kyrie Irving made the technical foul free throw.

In announcing the punishment, the league noted that Budenholzer also made contact with a game official last season in a game against the Cavaliers.

Budenholzer will serve his suspension on Sunday when the Hawks host the Indiana Pacers.